Asian Traveller December 2017 by Mediasteps

Vol. 11

No. 03

Pages 32

` 100

US $10 (Overseas)

December 2017

www.asiantraveller.in

Highlights Vol. 11 I No.03 I December 2017

10 Kerala Tourism

Cover Story: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Aavo Padharoâ&#x20AC;? The state of Gujarat is a treasure trove when it comes to Tourism. Beaches, temple towns, wildlife sanctuaries... the offerings for tourists is immense

Tourism news from Kerala

10 Questions Sibi Mathew, General Manager, Vivanta by TajMalabar, Cochin opens up his mind about the hospitality sector

14 12 The hospitality consultant specialist Green routes Hospitality is one of the most trusted consultants in the hosptiality industry with an experience of more than 18 years in India and abroad

The lure of history Dr S Bakthavatchalam this time takes you to the historical important Pudukkotai

FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK

CHEERFUL OUTLOOK FOR TOURISM

Editor & Publisher : Dr. G Biju Krishnan* Chief Mentor : Rajashekharan Nair

Group Vice President : Santhosh Kumaar K Editorial Team : R Parameshwaran

Smitha . R

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Regional Head (Hyderabad) : Uma Ram

Director-Finance : K Harikrishnan

AGM-Operations : Krishna Nair

ecember is the month for stock taking. Despite adverse reports and bleak outlook as a result of multiple factors during the year, travel and tourism industry has once again proved its resilient and is end the year on an optimistic note. Travel and tourism continue to remain on track, outperforming the global economy, with arrivals set to grow by 3.7% and inbound receipts at a stronger rate of 4.1% over 2017, compared to world GDP at 3.5%. A few of the leading indicators for the travel industry that economists watch including international and domestic air travel, industry capacity utilization, number of new hotel openings and stock market / corporate profits pointing in the right direction according to Prevedere, an industry insights and analytics company. Increased business travel and highly effective capacity utilization, along with increased capacity (new hotel openings) are creating a positive environment for hotel occupancy rates and rooms sold, says a report by Prevedere. Travel and tourism companies are taking note of this positive outlook, and shaping their plans accordingly. Responsible tourism, a return to Turkey and cruises for millennials with sunrise yoga and vegan menus will be among the biggest travel trends of 2018, according to the industry, says the annual travel trends report the Association of British Travel Agents (Abta) So lets us all work towards making the coming year a successful one – for the industry as well as for the travelling fraternity. Wishing all our readers a Happy X’mas and New Year...

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Cover Story Gujarat Tourism

“Aavo Padharo” In Gujarati, the native language of people of Gujarat, Aavo Padharo means ‘welcome’! The guest is considered as a god here and the friendly people of Gujarat take care of their guests in utmost attention

ocated at the western part of India and close to the Arabian Sea, with a hint of the desert and with a coastline of 1666 kms long is Gujarat – the home state of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of Nation. Also, the home state of our current Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, the state is a treasure trove when it comes to tourism. The beaches, temple towns, historic capitals, wildlife sanctuaries, hill resorts and natural grandeur are plenty at Gujarat. Did someone mention the sculpture, handicrafts, arts and festivals of Gujarat? Undoubtedly they are also among the top when it comes to appreciation.

The Jain temple centres at Palitana and Girnar Hills are major pilgrimage centres for Jain devotees. Ahmedabad also the largest city of Gujarat was the capital of the state. However the capital was moved to Gandhinagar, with the intention of a planned capital city for the state. Being the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, the authorities and politicians from the state wanted the new capital to be purely Indian enterprise. Designed by the Indian town planners Prakash M Apte and HK Mewada, the capital city has a provision of parks, extensive planting and a recreational area along the river giving the city a green garden-city atmosphere. The attractions at Gandhinagar include Akshardham Temple, a majestic, intricately carved stone structure which stands amid sprawling gardens set in a 23-acre plot. The construction of the temple is an architecture marvel as it is built in 6000 tonnes of pink sandstone and without a bit of steel. Standing 108 ft tall, 240 ft in length and 131 ft in width, the temple is a must visit for

all devotees. This modern monument to Hinduism follows all the instructions in Vastu Shastra. The monument enshrining the seven ft high, goldleafed Murti (idol) of Lord Swaminarayan is the focal point of the complex.

of the sect that bears his name, shown in a sitting posture with his right hand raised in abhay mudra. Inspiring episodes and incidents from the glorious history of Sanatan Dharma are presented in sound and light form for the visitors.

The construction of the temple is an architecture marvel as it is built in 6000 tonnes of pink sandstone and without a bit of steel

Dandi Kutir is another place you can visit at Gandhinagar. It houses India’s largest and only museum built on the life and teachings of Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Tourists can catch a glimpse of Gandhi’s early life beautifully portrayed with the help of audio- visuals. The incidents starting from his in Kathiawad, to his childhood, his marriage to Kasturba and his experiments with

The monument stands on 7 sculpted pillars, 210 single-piece stone beams, 57 window grills, M domes, eight ornate zarokhas, etc. The sanctum sanctorum contains the 1.2 tonne gold-plated idol of Lord Swaminarayan, the founder

ASIAN TRAVELLER | December 2017

youth find reference in the museum. This is the only museum depicting Biography of Father of the Nation- Mahatma Gandhi using sophisticated technology in the world.

Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad is a city defined by a spirit of enterprise. The city is a bustling metropolitan with reputed institutes, business organisations and is a rapidly growing economy. But with one hand it still embraces the tradition. You will be amazed at the way they still keep the traditions alive at Old Ahmedabad. The city is also known for its complex maze of neighbourhoods called pols. These pols reflect some of the country’s finest medieval Islamic architecture. The beautiful Indo-Saracenic architecture of Ahmedabad is something of a marvel. Sarkhej Roza, just outside the city, is a mesmerising inheritance of the Gujarat Sultanate and makes for an idyllic retreat. For the nature lovers there is Nal Sarovar, an extensive wetland which is home to thousands of migratory birds during winter. Adalaj, a classic example of Gujarat’s enchanting stepwells which were also places for social interactions for the women is also nearby. There is no better place to start your tour at Gujarat than Porbandar, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. Kirti Mandir, a temple and a memorial of Gandhiji built by

Maharaja Sayaiji Rao is the ideal place to know more about Gandhiji. Sabarmati Ashram, a national monument located in Ahmedabad on the banks of river Sabarmati is something not to be missed in the journey. The museum has got a rich collection of artefacts related with the life of Mahatma Gandhi including life-size paintings, more than 250 photo-enlargements of some of the most vivid and historic events of Gandhi’s life, exhibition showing letters and other relics of Gandhi, rare manuscripts of Gandhi’s articles and many more things.

Rapid Transit System. Opened back in 2009, the network covers almost 90 km. Most of the main roads have also got exclusive cycle tracks which no other Indian city could boast off. Ahmedabad will be the first city along with Mumbai

Little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat is the only place on earth where you can find Indian Wild Ass, a species listed as Near Threatened by IUCN. The Wild Ass Sanctuary is spread across

There are also other attractions like Bharat Mandir, (a permanent exhibition of culture, history and geometry about India), Porbandar Bird Sanctuary and Barda Hills Wildlife Sanctuary. Gujarat boasts of separate bus rapid transit system-Ahmedabad Bus

The handicraft and textile signature art tradition of the tribal community of Kutch is closely looked upon by fashion enthusiasts

to be connected with bullet train in India. The proposed bullet train will cover the 534 km distance in 2 hours time.

Kutch

In Kutch each community has got its own identity. Be it the oral traditions, dance, craft or dress, every community is different and colourful. Stretching along the Tropic of Cancer, from Rajasthan to the edge of Pakistan and the Arabian Sea, Kutch covers a little over 45000 sq km and is geographically December | ASIAN TRAVELLER

one of India’s largest and most distinctive districts.

nearly 5000 sq km. These animals which are around one m tall and two m in length are very agile and can run long distances at high speed. The Sanctuary is also home to far more animals and birds than just the wild ass. Among the 32 other species of mammals are the chinkara (Indian gazelle), two types of desert fox (Indian and Whitefooted), jackals, caracals (African lynx), nilgais (the largest antelope of Asia), Indian wolves, blackbucks, and striped hyenas. From the salty desert, 7

Cover Story Gujarat Tourism

threads. There are around six types of stitches adopted. To add beauty, they also use small mirrors called abhla, sewn over the geometrically shaped designs. Kutch embroidery today has GI (Geographical Indication) tag to its credit.

periodically inundated during the monsoons, to wetlands where freshwater rivers draining through the Rann mix into the seawater of the Gulf of Kutch, and the scrub forests found on the beyts, the variety of vegetation types means a similar variety of animals inhabit the area.

will provide you wonderful views of both the desert and its flora and fauna. The beauty of harsh deserts even though not as pleasant as other landscapes is something to be experienced once in a lifetime. Tourists also make it a point to visit and watch the process of making salt.

It is also an important area for migratory birds. Every year, approximately 75,000 birds nest in the reserve. Migratory birds as far as Egypt, Siberia (the

Kutch itself is known for its mud architecture, a medley of craft traditions and exquisite apparel, this eminently colourful and culturally rich land has a

common and demoiselle cranes), Europe (the blue-tailed bee-eater), and Iran and Iraq (the houbara bustard) are spotted here. All of these are commonly sighted in the sanctuary. Also present are sandgrouses, desert wheatears, ten species of lark, the white-browed bulbul, Indian coursers, stoneplovers, shrikes, ducks, geese, three types of ibis, spoonbills, godwits, stints, sandpipers, shanks, moorhens, saras cranes, both Indian flamingoes, and three species of pelican. A desert ride at the Wild Ass Sanctuary

The forest area of Gir once was the hunting grounds of the Nawabs of Junagadh

Bhuj where the earthquake of 2001 made much casualty is also part of Kutch. But the town has recovered from the aftermaths of quake. The Mandvi region of Kutch is known for its beaches, shipbuilding yard, heritage palace and religious sites.

Gir National Park

Besides Africa, Gir in Gujarat is the only natural habitat of world popular Asiatic Lions. A visit to Gir National Park will reward you an unparalleled opportunity to watch those rare Asiatic Lions coupled with thousands of other elusive wild animals and hard-to-find birds like uncommon Asiatic wild ass, hyenas, Gir foxes, pygmy woodpecker, brown fish owl and black buck etc. Established in 1965, Gir National Park covers around 1412 sq km. The forest area of Gir once was the hunting grounds of the Nawabs of Junagadh. Apart from lion, Gir National Park is also home to leopard, jungle cat, striped hyena, golden jackal, mugger crocodile, and many other animals. The Gir National Park is open from mid - October

onwards till mid June & The Devaliya Safari park (Gir Interpretation Zone) is open throughout the year. For those tourists who wish for a jeep safari through the forest, they will have to depend on the above mentioned offices. Proper permission from the Sinh Sadan Forest Lodge Office is required for this. Watching the Lions from open-roof jeep is altogether a wonderful experience. It also presents unexpected photo clicking opportunities of this jungle beast. Jeeps and guides are made available by the Forest Department. At Gir National Park there is only one option to spot wild animals especially lion and that is jeep safari. There is no canter safari or elephant safari unlike to the other national parks of India.

wonderful handcrafted feel. The colourful tribal villages of Kutch make a visit unforgettable. The handicraft and textile signature art tradition of the tribal community of Kutch is closely looked upon by fashion enthusiasts. Women are the masters of this trick which they exhibit on mediums like cotton fabrics in the form of net using cotton or silk

ASIAN TRAVELLER | December 2017

Kerala Tourism

Kerala’s much awaited tourist spot Jatayu Earth’s Center opened to public

erala’s first BOT model ecotourism project, Adventure Rock Hill of Jatayu Earth’s Center is now open for travellers and adventure seekers. Located at Chadayamangalam in Kollam district of Kerala, the Jatayupara Nature Park was rechristened as Jatayu Earth’s Centre. The nature park is expected to be fully operational by April 2018. The world’s largest bird sculpture, with a length of 200 ft, a width of 150 ft and a height of 70 ft is the prime attraction at Jatayu Earth Centre. The Adventure Rock Hill of the centre which is now open for a group of 10-100 people, with entry of Rs 3,500 per person offers abundant activities/services for the tourists, including camping, rock climbing and trekking. Spread

living beings cared for each other and lived together peacefully. The rainwater harvesting reservoir at Jatayu Earth Centre is capable to store up to 15 lakh litres of water.

across 65 acres, Jatayu Earth Centre also houses 6D theatre, a virtual reality museum, a Siddha and an Ayurvedic cave resort also. The tour package for visiting the centre includes 15 adventure activities. It has a separate adventure zone, which provides over 20 different games such as paintball, archery, laser tag, rifle shooting, rock climbing and rappelling for the tourists.

The man behind the project is noted film director Rajiv Anchal. He is also the concept designer, chairman and managing director of Jatayu Earth Centre. As per his vision the centre is a glorious example of sustainable and eco-friendly tourism in India. He has spent almost 10 years for the project. He also mentioned that ‘Jatayu’ symbolises an era when humans and other

The tourism department of Kerala has been promoting adventure tourism to woo vacationers from all corners of the world and the project comes in timely. The centre has been built in a publicprivate partnership under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model. It is one of the biggest privatepublic tourism projects in Kerala. The bird sculpture replicates the mythical bird Jatayu which was developed by Rajiv Anchal himself. As per mythology, Jatayu died at this spot while fighting with Raavana to save Goddess Sita. There is also a temple located nearby.

The backwaters of northern Kerala

o the outside world, the beauty of backwaters of Kerala rests at Alappuzha and Kumarakom. Although not so popular, northern part of Kerala has equally charming backwaters. Kerala Tourism for some time has been actively promoting the beauty of this hidden beauty to the outside world. Lying sprawled across the districts of Kannur and Kasaragod is the largest backwater island group in the northern part of Kerala, the Kavil Pattanam. Popularly known as Kavvayi, Kavil Pattanam comprises a tangle of picturesque island groups spread across the emerald green backwaters. The backwater stretches are fed by River Kavvayi and her

tributary streams Kankol, Vannathichal, Kuppithodu and Kuniyan. The beauty of Kavvayi has found mention in significant global travellers writing including Marco Polo, Ibn Battuta and Abdul Fida. Kavvayi backwater is the third largest backwaters in Kerala and the largest one in northern Kerala. The advantage of this heavenly destination is that it is lesser known and less unexplored. Tourists can enjoy the rustic charm of village life and the inexplicable beauty of nature in equal measures here. The ideal way to enjoy the beauty of this serene stretch is by hiring a boat and melting with the rhythm of the placid waters. One can

easily make a stop at any one of the islands and explore these enchanting islets where the people depend on agriculture and fishing for livelihood. Valiyaparamba is the largest island in Kavvayi and the backwater near it, called the Valiyaparamba backwaters, is famed for its picturesque locale. The harbour at Kavil

Pattanam has been immortalised in the travelogues of famous travellers Ibn Battuta and Marco Polo. This quaint place also used to be the hub of spices and gems trade in the olden days. This virgin paradise with its enticing surrounds and rare fauna and flora is your ultimate getaway to solitude. ASIAN TRAVELLER | December 2017

Kerala Tourism

Kerala State Tourism Awards 2015-16 distributed

he Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala, has presented the muchawaited ‘Kerala State Tourism Awards 2015-2016’, honouring Kerala’s best tourism service providers for their exceptional performances. Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala, who inaugurated the awards ceremony at the Hotel Taj Vivanta presented the prestigious award to the winners. Making his inaugural speech, the Chief Minister called for an inclusive tourism approach with public participation which can make Kerala the best destination for international tourists. CM promised that the Government of Kerala is constantly striving to bring in more revenue into the tourism sector. An updated version of the website www. keralatourism.org was also done by the Chief Minister on the occasion. Kadakampally Surendran, Minster for Tourism, presided over the function. He promised to implement the recommendations included in the new tourism policy within the specified timeline. The Minister expressed confidence that the New Tourism Policy would bring about overall development of the State. The Minister also requested the leaders of Tourism Industry to contribute to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund and help the victims of Ockhi cyclone. Tourism-Culture Secretary Rani George IAS welcomed the gathering and hoped Kerala will be on top of Global tourism map. She congratulated the Kerala Tourism Award winners on behalf of Kerala

December | ASIAN TRAVELLER

Tourism Department and said she strongly believed the New Tourism Policy would lead to the empowerment of Kerala Tourism Industry. “The success of the New Tourism Policy is a collective responsibility,” she said. V K Madhu, District Panchayat President; E M Najeeb, President CKTI; Baby Mathew, President, KTM Society; Aneesh Kumar P K, President, ATTOI; and Jaffar Malik IAS, Additional Director, Kerala Tourism were among those present. P Bala Kiran IAS, Director, Kerala Tourism proposed the vote of thanks. Based on the exceptional work done, 22 awards under three categories were presented at the event.

The winners are:

Best Inbound Tour operator to Kerala – Inter sight Tours and Travels Pvt. Ltd., Kochi Best Three Star Hotel in Kerala – Estuary Island, Poovar (Special Mention) Best Four Star Hotel – Spice Village, ThekkadyKumily Road, Thekkady Best Five Star Hotel – Kochi Marriott Hotel, Lulu

International Shopping Mall, Edappally Best Five Star Deluxe Hotel – The Leela Raviz Kovalam Best Heritage Hotel – Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom (Honourable Mention) Best Approved & Classified Ayurvedic Centre – Somatheeram Research Institute and Ayurveda Hospital Pvt. Ltd, Chowara Best Approved & Classified Homestay – Rose Gardens Eco Friendly Homestay, Munnar Best Approved & Classified Service Villa – Teak Town, Ruby Estate, Mampad, Malappuram (Honourable Mention) Best Hotel Manager in Kerala – Rajesh Nair, HIG 50, Panampally Nagar, Kochi Best Tourism/Hotel Management Institute – Oriental School of Hotel Management, Lakkidi, Wayanad Best Tourism-related report in print media – G Jyothilal, Senior Sub Editor, Mathrubhumi Yathra

Best Photography in tourism sector – Rajan M Thomas, Chief Photographer, Malayala Manorama, Kollam Best Tourism-related publication – Manorama Traveller Most Innovative Project – Mathrubhumi, Kochi Most Innovative use of Information TechnologySanchari Facebook Community, Areacode, Malappuram (Honourable Mention) Best practices in the field of Responsible Tourism – Chalukya Grace, Thiruvananthapuram Best adventure tourism operator – Kalypso Adventures Pvt Ltd, Kochi Best Tourism Club – Darul Uloom VHSS Pulleppady, Ernakulam Best Student Coordinator of Tourism Club – Aiena Varghese, St. Xavier’s College for Women, Aluva Best Tourism Police personnel- V B Rasheed, Eriyad Best Tourism Lifeguard – Premjith T V, Kozhikode 11

Hospitality

The hospitality consultant specialist- Green Routes Hospitality Green routes Hospitality is one of the most trusted consultants in the hosptiality industry with an experience of more than 18 years in India and abroad

hat is common to Casa Rio Resort, Athirappilly and Sea Lagoon resort at Cherai Beach? Or is there any connection between Lake Canopy resort Alappuzha or Falling Waters resort Munnar? The only connection between these resorts apart from the fact that they are located at contrasting locations is that they are all managed by the same hospitality groupGreen routes Hospitality, one of the most trusted hospitality consultants based in Kochi, Kerala. Different locations and destinations! Be it the sea-side or the rain-forest, Green routes Hospitality has got a resort under its helm for the discerning travellers. Irrespective of small, medium and largescale hotels or resorts, Green routes Hospitality offers its services. The service is not limited with the beginning of the resort but until it is required to achieve the founderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision. Apart from consulting for management and operations of hotels or resorts it also undertakes the recruiting of personnel and training for them. Green routes Hospitality also take care of the sales and marketing of hotels or resorts. Care is also extended into the selection of the best and appropriate hotel and travel software suited.

The long term associations with tour consultancies across the globe for Green routes hospitality ensures good business list for the hotel or resort. The plenty of referrals each guests grow manifold in the hospitality business. It also undertakes turnkey projects of various scales. When Green routes Hospitality promises to design and operate a hotel or resort in par with international standards, it is not something of over confidence but it is the experience factor of the group that reflects. Take a look at the few hotels and resorts Green routes Hospitality maintains:

Casa Rio, Athirappilly

Located near to the mesmerising waterfalls of Athirappilly, Thrissur, Casa Rio is the perfect hillside resort for travellers to escape to the splendour,

Green routes Hospitality is one of the most trusted hospitality consultants based in Kochi, Kerala the quiet serenity of mother nature. Athirappilly waterfall is considered to be the largest waterfall in Kerala and the beauty of it is something to be enjoyed at its best during rainy season. The boutique hotel is set in 4 acres of land in the mid of the virgin green forest and close to the river which feeds the waterfall. Casa Rio provides the best regional accommodations with facilities that will make your holiday a memorable one through its 20 wellappointed cottages with a unique ambience that is away from the urban landscape.

Sea Lagoon, Cherai

The location Cherai in Ernakulam is the best

to experience the best of both the worlds of the beach and the backwaters. The Sea Lagoon Health Resort cradled between the turbulent waves of the Arabian Sea on one side and the serene backwaters on the other provides an unparalleled view that is sure to engage the senses. The guests can choose from 29 theme based luxurious rooms that each focus on one of Keralaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s traditional performing art forms. Inspired by Keralaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s traditional architecture of sloping roofs, wooden pillars and subtle hues, the resort follows a cozy, yet private layout. Every room has a balcony attached from which the surroundings can be enjoyed.

Lake Canopy, Alappuzha

Lake Canopy is the newest offering from Green routes hospitality. Strategically located in Punnamada, Alappuzha,

ASIAN TRAVELLER | december 2017

it has got exclusive 28 cottages/rooms with back water view and ensures hospitality with utmost care, comfort and luxury. Among them 3 cottages comes with private swimming pool, 5 cottages with Jacuzzi taking the luxury experience to a new level. The cottages and rooms are adorned with fresh and beautiful interiors. The efficient service of the staff also adds grace to the resort. The night view of the lake and the houseboats are a sight to behold.

Cuckmere Resort, Munnar

You heard it right! It is Cuckmere, the river which flows in East Sussex, England. But the luxurious Cuckmere resort is located in the hill station of Munnar (Pallivasal village, Chithirapuram, within 5 miles to Munnar). The resort overlooking waterfalls, river, mountains and tea plantations is also known for its elegant design and comfortable stay. The architecture is a confluence of contemporary design and traditional Keralite elements. The diverse culture of Kerala is December | ASIAN TRAVELLER

personified by the elegant use of Coconut timber. Guests can chose from the well-appointed 22 rooms which are spacious and enabled with modern amenities.

The Meenmuty Heights, Wayanad

Meenmutty Waterfalls in Wayanad is one of the beautiful waterfalls of the state. The water here drops from nearly 1000 ft over three stages, presenting a triple-decker effect. Ideally located, the resort is on the way to waterfalls. Guests also find the stay in this resort as a different experience as it is located in 250 acres wide estate. It is most suited for travellers who like the feel of nostalgic loneliness of the long lost wild. The activities like the guided nature walk and waterfalls visit, cycling in the tea garden all arranged by the resort have got many takers.

Forest Canopy, Thekkady

Are you looking for a chance to get away from the crowded cities and immerse yourself in a cocoon of luxury, or are you hoping to get in touch with nature and the elements, or is your

quest for a slice of heaven and a chance to wake up to bird songs? It is a great feeling to get up at dawn in the lap of Nature, smelling the fresh, aromatic air almost like waking up in a green paradise that is far removed from our flawed planet. Welcome to nature! Welcome to Forest Canopythe â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gateway to Thekkadyâ&#x20AC;?. Situated on a beautiful hill, surrounded by lush greenery, alongside the Kottayam - Kumily Road, it is like a forest in the midst of a town, a place of unfettered freedom and tranquillity-where the mind and spirit are rejuvenated a pristine getaway.

Chandragiri Homestay, Wayanad

This is the one and only homestay in Wayanad offering complete resort facilities for guests. The 55 year old heritage bungalow set amidst an evergreen sprawling 20 acres of lush green dense spice plantation is one of the top homestays in the state. Located in a small village called Chellangode, the Homestay have four artistically and tastefully

Apart from consulting for management and operations of hotels or resorts it also undertakes the recruiting of personnel and training for them done en-suite rooms providing panoramic view of the surrounding coffee estates.

Hotel Airlink Castle, Cochin

An exquisite five star luxury hotel, located at the portals of Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, Airlink Castle offers 54 centrally air conditioned rooms with all modern facilities for guests. All the rooms are designed for comfort with beautifully carved woodwork and furniture and a lookout to extensive coconut gardens. The multi-cuisine restaurants, 24 hour coffee shop, business room, health club, the activity center, board rooms, 6 conference halls, rooftop swimming pool with a garden around, a premium bar well stocked with Scotch whiskies, wines etc. will make your stay enjoyable and rejuvenating whether your stay is for business or leisure. 13

10 questions

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have played a pivotal role in the promotion of brand Kerala over the yearsâ&#x20AC;? Sibi Mathew, General Manager, Vivanta by Taj â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Malabar, Willingdon Island, Cochin opens up his mind about the hospitality sector and his experiences in the sector spanning more than 20 years that it provided a lot of opportunities for youngsters like me thereby helping me to take on new responsibilities at a faster pace.

2. What plans do you have for the company?

1. You have been in the hospitality industry for the past several years. Could you tell us about your early days? What made you enter the hospitality sector? I have been in the Industry for over 20 years now. Like most youngsters, I too had dilemma in choosing my career. There were a few fields including Medicine and Engineering that most youngsters seemed to pursue. I was always sure that I wanted to pursue a profession slightly different. Hospitality seemed to be a growing industry just expanding itself in India and it seemed like the right time frame to equip oneself and venture into the industry. At the same time, I also had a few relatives who were doing extremely well in the industry. All these reasons made me take the leap. Looking back at my career, I still feel happy about the decision I took. The early days were difficult since the industry was still getting organised. But the positive side was 14

The hotel that I presently look after, Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin is an iconic property in itself. My primary responsibility is to carry this iconic hotel ahead as the market expands and further establish its position.

3. How do you see the role of a hotel in developing a destination? What all things can hospitality sector do in this regard? The Indian Hotels has played a leading role in establishing Kerala on the tourism map of India and the world. We have eight hotels across Kerala and are further looking to add hotels in other destinations in Kerala. We can proudly say that we have played a pivotal role in the promotion of brand Kerala over the years. Today we can also see the impact of the work that has been done. Kerala has now positioned itself to become a year round destination attracting visitors from countries far and wide.

4. Would you please share with us the proudest and some of the unforgettable moments in your professional life? Fortunately I have had several instances in my career that I can look back upon and feel happy about. I

have had the good fortune of being a part of the opening team of two hotels. The Taj hotel that I looked after in Kumarakom was bestowed with the National Award for 3 consecutive years and also a State Award. The Taj hotel Bhutan of which I had charge during 2015 was featured in the Conde Nast Gold List of the same year. Besides all this, I had the privilege to welcome and host several heads of states, dignitaries and celebrities in the various hotels that I have worked.

5. In your career, have you ever worked abroad? What according to you are the advantages of working overseas? Yes, I have worked abroad. I have spent a small duration in the United States and have also done a tenure for the company at the hotel in Bhutan. The tenure abroad has principally taught me to adapt and work with different cultures. It has taught me how people are similar yet different in their own unique ways. As I progress in my career, it gives me a completely different perspective when I work with different people.

6. Where would you like to see yourself, say, 10 years from now? I would like to see myself handling larger responsibilities for the company. Our company is growing and looking to increase the footprint across Kerala, India and some other international destinations.

7. How do you see the growth prospects of

Indian hospitality sector? The Indian hospitality industry has no other direction except an upward trend. As a country we attract barely 6 million visitors in a year. That is a very small number when we compare ourselves to the number of tourists attracted by some first world countries, some of which are much smaller and do not have the span of offerings that India can proudly boast of. Therefore we will grow immensely both in supply and demand in times to come.

8. About your Family? My immediate family includes my wife and two daughters. They have moved around with me to the various destinations that I have so far been posted. The exposure to different destinations has helped firm up their perspective and helped them become adaptable in different environments.

9. Please tell us about your hobbies and other interests? Owing to a packed work schedule, there is very little time to pursue other interests. However I do read and play cricket and table tennis whenever I have some leisure time on hand.

10. Which is your favourite destination? Why? It is very difficult to name one destination in particular but Kerala continues to fascinate me and every time I visit a new area, I feel proud of the diversity that our state offers and the potential that remains to be explored.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | December 2017

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Destination wedding

Dream weddings in the land of art and architecture- Italy With Indian Cricketer Virat Kohli and Bollywood actress Anuskha Sharma choosing the picturesque Tuscany, Italy for their dream wedding, the popularity of destination weddings at Italy rises to an all time high

rt and architecture is interwoven with Italy’s heritage. Add to it the beautiful countryside. Couples are flocking to Italy for their dream wedding. The latest being Virat and Anushka who chose heritage hotel, Borgo Finocchieto, in Tuscany for their grand wedding. Unlike booking the entire resorts, these are entire buildings, settlements and, as mentioned, villages that are built and maintained to meet every ridiculous demand of their wealthy patrons to suit any occasion. Borgo Finocchieto is one of the most expensive holiday rentals during the Christmas and New Year season. The hotel charges Rs.94,83,210 in entirety per week,

which translates to Rs.13,54,744 per night. The village or borgo is located in the scenic locales of Tuscany, an hour from Florence’s airport. The luxurious resort has a 60-ft oval swimming pool, gym, spa, and a tennis court. The borgo has 22 bedrooms and suites. Fairy-tale weddings often come with a huge price tag, and Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli’s destination wedding at the Borgo Finocchieto was no exception. An 800-yearold village and boutique property, encompassing several villas

Unlike booking the entire resorts, these are entire buildings, settlements and, as mentioned, villages that are built and maintained to meet every ridiculous demand of their wealthy patrons to suit any occasion

which can house dozens and host hundreds rented out wholly, is not something every couple can afford. These are meant for the wealthy and the celebrities and for their fancy weddings. Even so, there are cheaper options for destination weddings at Italy itself only that you need to cut down a few things.

Italy’s reputation as a wedding destination A place where art and architecture exceeds the people! A place which is among the world’s leaders of the fashion industry, a country with a proud rich heritageItaly! The latest trendsetter for wedding tourism is Italy. Wedding Tourism in Italy is a booming trend worth 385 million euro says the reports. Little wonder from all over the world couples fly to this land of art and architecture to tie the

ASIAN TRAVELLER | December 2017

knot. To make the day most memorable they find no other place as beautiful as Italy. For a travel company, advertising wedding locations in Italy goes beyond selling tickets and printing exotic location on pamphlet showing couples cozied up together. Now, it’s more of giving a technical insight into what the wedding location and venue has to offer. Simply put, you are going to help this lovely couple start off on a good foot and get good value for their money. Destination weddings are the real deal nowadays and 78% statistics shows that Italy seems to be on top of the charts. This year alone, over 7,147 weddings have been conducted in Italy with over 386million euros in turnover. An average Italian destination wedding lasts, 3-5 days and 4-8 days for guests and couples respectively.

This year alone, over 7,147 weddings have been conducted in Italy with over 386 million euros in turnover

December | ASIAN TRAVELLER

There are different ways to tie the knot in Italy, Massimo Ferrazzi founder of JFC has studied the three types of weddings and their economic impacts. The standard ceremony boasts a 76.2% preference and 137 million turnovers. Luxury ceremonies are preferred by 19.4% and a 178.2 million in yearly attendance. Super luxury opted by deep pockets is only 4.4% and a 70.6 million turnover. The highest number of couples opting for Italian weddings is from the USA, with a 24.1% rate, the UK goes to 21.95% and Germany with 5.9%. Among the 10 other most preferred locations for wedding tourists in Italy, there are:-

First the influence on the choice of the bride and groom are the gastronomic excellence in 15.8% of the cases •

Cosale Cocca, montapulciano, Tuscany, central Italy

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Villa la fauci, San Gimignano, Tuscany, central Italy

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Villa silva, Puglia, southern Italy

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Villa tafera, Florence/ Tuscany/ central Italy

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Lorenzo village, san Gimignano, Tuscany, central Italy

The most preferred (24.45%) locations are in Tuscany, 16.9% prefer Campania and the coats of Amalfi/Capri. The beautiful city of Veneto struggles with a 10.5% preference. Most wedding locations are likely to be villas or farmhouses. 76% of tourists claim it brings them closer to nature.

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Villa ll Gufo, chlanti and Arezzo, Tuscany

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Castle mago, Tuscany coast, Tuscany

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Villa Ribezzo, Puglia, southern Italy

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Villa selva, lake Garda, Italian lake, northern Italy

Why the much fuss about Italy among couples?

•

Villa faruffini, Umbrla, central Italy

From the recent Virat and Anuskha to Kim

Kardashian and Kanye West to Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake 32% of a host other celebrities yearly, it’s no news Italian weddings are quite a thing now, helping about 12% wedding planners, 31% hotels and villas, and most especially 44% travel companies turn billionaires year after year. First the influence on the choice of the bride and groom are the gastronomic excellence in 15.8% of the cases. The serenity and beauty of the supposed location cut an 11.3% while the sophisticated so-called sweet life is 10%. The traditional religious rite ceremony is patronised by 23% while the more conventional civil ceremony is at 31.4%, symbolic ire at 45%. For travel companies looking to go into wedding tourism, there is a yearly increase rate of 4.2% on the rate of wedding tourism. 32% rely on their help and seek the dream locations and they don’t disappoint. With the appropriate approach travel companies help a great number of couples achieve the dream wedding they desire.

taiwan

Celebrate Christmas and New Year Eve in Taiwan! The hidden gem of Asia, Taiwan is the best place to celebrate Christmas and New Year with its wide diversity of unique tourism attractions. Get to know a few activities which tourists especially from India can look upon

hristmasland is a “realm of Merry Christmas” in the urban setting of Xinban Special District, a sprawling playground intended for people of all ages, and also an effort to enhance New Taipei City’s global profile. By connecting attractions throughout the neighborhood (The Lin Family Mansion & Garden, 435 Art Zone, Huangshi Market, Fuzhong Shopping District, Nanya Night Market, etc.) to Xinban Special District’s emerging shopping district, Christmasland bolsters tourism in both New Taipei City and Northern Taiwan as it transforms the entire Banqiao area into a spectacular winter getaway destination complete with culinary treats, entertainment and lots of shopping. To mark the period between Christmas and Chinese New Year, the most festive time of the year in Taiwan, Christmasland incorporates elaborate

venue and event planning efforts to touch visitors’ hearts with a sense of joy. It is a gorgeously illuminated, happinessevoking enclave that creates a fairy tale-like experience out of the country’s tallest Christmas trees, fun-packed rides, and a series of regular events from county fairs, large concerts, and markets selling handmade goods to carnival parades. Designed with all demographic groups in mind, Christmasland is a true embodiment of the gleeful, festive atmosphere.

set off, a star-studded group gathers on the spot to accompany a variety of activities and special ceremonies, and a special, exciting, out-ofthe-ordinary Taipei New Year’s Eve celebration is on display! Although taking place in the winter with its low temperatures and frequent bursts of cold air, Taipei New Year’s Eve celebration attracts a huge number of visitors despite the weather. Even if a cold snap hits, there is no drop in the enthusiasm of those welcoming in the

New Year. The Taipei city government, that runs the event, has made the concept of turning Taipei city into “New Year City,” the creative axis of the event. Since the staging of Taiwan’s first-ever grand New Year’s event in 1995, it won an enthusiastic response among young people and had the media competing with each other to report it, and this later spread throughout the entire country with similar celebrations being held everywhere. On the day of the event,

Then there are the New Year Eve Celebrations in Taipei that are special. The festivities begin at Taipei 101 building, when the countdown enters the final stage, the building itself lights up floor by floor from the bottom up for the New Year’s countdown, making Taipei 101 the biggest New Year’s Eve countdown clock in the world. After the countdown is over, fireworks are immediately ASIAN TRAVELLER | December 2017

the Taipei city government invites popular entertainers and famous pop singers to perform at the celebrations on the square in front of the government offices. At the same time, this glamorous New Year’s Eve celebration puts Taipei squarely on the global stage, winning international applause and becoming one of the most famous international and Taiwanese New Year’s events.

Chiayi City International Band Festival

Another event which tourists can experience during the Christmas- New Year season at Taiwan is Chiayi City International Band Festival. Not everyone might appreciate the bands. But they have got a special charm of their own. There are several tourists who come repeatedly to witness the event as it made a special impact in their heart. The different kind of music, vibrant uniforms, performances, and beauty of music make it a wonderful experience for tourists from all over the world. Performing Arts Hall, Chiayi City Cultural Park, Zhongzheng Park, Cultural Affairs Bureau Square are the different

venues where tourists can appreciate this rare festival. Since 1993, the opening of Chiayi City International Band Festival attracted only five teams to participate in the event. After the crowning of “international” title in December 1997, it stated to organise the Asia Band Festival in 2000. Chiayi City has transferred itself from a southern town into a band music city, and the band festival is the longest surviving activity in the Formosa Arts Festivals carried out by various counties and cities. Over the years, the Festival has invited performing teams from around the world, including the United States, Canada, Germany, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, Russia, Kazakhstan, South Korea, China, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and other countries to attend in the events. Through diverse event planning, the Festival has created one after another band music feasts and succeeded in narrowing the distance between people and the band music, so that the band music can be blended

into people’s life, making Chiayi City a “Cultural City, the Capital of Band Music” by shaping urban culture with band music, marketing the characteristics of the city, and promoting international exchanges. Taiwan is located in the western Pacific Ocean 160 km (100 miles) off the southeastern coast of the Chinese mainland and is a convenient gateway to Asia for the Indian traveller. Indian Passport holders can enjoy Visa exempt entry into Taiwan for 30 days via an online system. The applicant must have at least one of the following valid or expired visas issued by UK, USA, Australia, Canada, Japan, Korea, New Zealand or any of the Schengen countries. A number of airlines such as China Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Southern and Thai Airways fly directly or with a stopover, in to the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, the Kaohsiung International Airport and the Taichung International Airport from the Indian metros of New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and Kolkata. Scoot Airlines also connects the cities of Jaipur, Amritsar, Lucknow, Chennai, Trichy, Kochi, Lucknow, Bangalore and Hyderabad with a stopover in Singapore to Taipei. The average flight time between India and Taiwan is of about 6.5 hours; and Taiwan is 2.5 hours ahead of India.

December | ASIAN TRAVELLER

newsline

95 countries honoured at VFS Global’s ‘Diplomats for Peace’ Event held for the first time in India to felicitate efforts of diplomatic community in promoting peace through tourism

epresentatives from 95 countries around the world were felicitated at the unique ‘Diplomats for Peace’ event held in last month for their countries’ contributions towards fostering Peace through Tourism. At the event organised by the International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT), heads of several diplomatic missions were also recognised for their countries’ exemplary work in successfully undertaking various humanitarian and peace initiatives using tourism, in various spheres of political, economic, or environmental change. ‘Diplomats for Peace’ was held for the first time in India by IIPT, which is recognised and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and UNWTO, with VFS Global, the world’s largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions, as the presenting partner. High-level diplomats from 95 countries, representatives from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Tourism, and prominent senior Indian officials were present at the gathering.

This is also the first time the diplomatic community was honoured and acknowledged for its role in supporting the concept of promoting peace across the world through the facilitation of tourism. Countries whose representatives were honoured with the ‘Diplomats for Peace’ award by IIPT, for particularly creating humane, sustainable and peaceful environments, when faced with political or socio-economic conflicts, or climate change, are Bhutan, Cambodia, Canada, Colombia, France, Germany, Japan, India, Mexico, Rwanda, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. Awardees were selected based on IIPT’s specific set of evaluation criteria and judgment. A total of 15 countries were also honoured with a special ‘Messenger of Peace’ recognition at the event. Speaking about the event, Ajay Prakash, President, IIPT India, said, “The United Nations declared 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development and a number of events and programmes continue to be conducted across the world. For

over 30 years, IIPT has been championing the cause of Peace through Tourism. The connection between Peace and Tourism is twofold – while peace is a prerequisite for tourism, it is equally true that the growth of tourism can foster greater peace. The prime function of diplomacy is the prevention or resolution of conflict and every diplomat, therefore, is essentially an Envoy of Peace.” Zubin Karkaria, Chief Executive Officer, VFS Global Group, said, “We have always believed that travel and tourism plays a strong role in spreading peace and understanding, and building bridges across nations. Being in the business of supporting global travel and tourism through visa service management, developing Peace through Tourism is a topic very close to our hearts at VFS Global. Being a part of this event gives VFS Global the opportunity to honour the exemplary work done by several countries and their diplomats in building bridges to foster world peace.” Representatives from various travel and trade associations like, TAAI, TAFI, OTOAI, and various tourism bodies, also attended the event. The awardees are Maj. Gen. Versop Mangyel (Ambassador of

This is also the first time the diplomatic community was honoured and acknowledged for its role in supporting the concept of promoting peace across the world through the facilitation of tourism Bhutan to India), Pichkhun Panham (Ambassador of Cambodia), Nadir Patel (High Commissioner for Canada in India), Monica Lanzetta Mutis (Ambassador of Colombia in India), Alexander Ziegler (Ambassador of France to India), Dr Martin Ney (German Ambassador to India), Kenji Hiramatsu (Ambassador of Japan to India), Melba Pria (Ambassador of Mexico in India), Ernest Rwamucyo (High Commissioner for Rwanda in India), Jose Ramon Baranano Fernandez (Ambassador of Spain in India), Chitranganee Wagiswara (High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in India), Dr Andreas Baum (Ambassador of Switzerland in India), Dr Abdul Rahman Albanna (Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to India) and Sir Dominic Asquith (High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to India). ASIAN TRAVELLER | December 2017

NEWSLINE

Travel Trends for Christmas-New Year Long Weekends 2017 further. As the clock ticks down to midnight, we have witnessed that a number of travellers are enthusiastic about beginning their New Year at exotic destinations. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head Leisure Travel & M.I.C.E at Thomas Cook (India) Limited predicts the International and Domestic travel trends.

International:

The upcoming Christmas and New Year long weekend offers impactful opportunity for short breaks and has further fuelled demand, witnessing an impressive upswing of over 20% for international holidays. As the Indian traveller is conventionally a last minute planner, we are expecting this number to increase

December | ASIAN TRAVELLER

Short haul destinations are in top demand due to easy access of an under 5 hour flight, hence impactful uptake to Singapore, Dubai, Thailand, and Maldives. The Product Teams have negotiated special deals for such weekend/short breaks and these include value options like free transfers, complimentary meals and upgraded accommodation; child free or companion discounts which work well to further inspire demand. At Thomas Cook India, destinations that are trending with the consumers

this season for long hauls are the group departures to Finland and Sweden (White Christmas). Recent trends also indicate an emerging interest for fresh options like Rome (Christmas Mass), Switzerland, Amsterdam (Festival of Lights), Germany, Austria, France, Sweden, Finland and Parts of Italy, Abu Dhabi, Fiji, Auckland, Adelaide, Bora Bora and Tahiti.

Domestic:

The travel hungry Indian consumer has been quick to leverage festivals and the long weekends as an apt opportunity to escape from the hectic pace of daily work life and indulge in a short well-deserved getaway, to rejuvenate and recharge. The customers are maximising this opportunity to plan short-haul vacations to explore domestic destinations- closer home

and hence the increase in demand for regional destinations. For instance, domestic destinations such as Gujarat, Rann of Kutch, Kerala Goa, North East, Rajasthan and Bhutan holds strong allure for quick getaways. The Domestic Teams have reported a significant increase of over 12 - 15% in bookings. Since the upcoming long weekend for Christmas/ New Year has been on every travellerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s radar, given increasing demand, hotels rates have seen highs of 10-15% (surcharge is applied by hotels, the packages are priced accordingly) plus over standard rates. The traditional value seeker Indian consumer seems immune to super peak pricing this year and despite the lack of offer promos or discounts from hotels, they are all set to make the most of this much-awaited break.

Spain

The coastal beautyPuerto de la Cruz Spain’s coastal areas provide many attractions for the leisure travellers. Puerto de la Cruz is one such place which has got all the necessary qualities of a leisurely travel destination. A harbour with a rich heritage, a pristine valley for the nature lovers and a theme park for new age travellers, it attracts tourists from around the world

ituated to the north of Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain), Puerto de la Cruz is one of the island’s major tourist centres. If you ever dreamed about spending Christmas or New Year at a coastal area, then this is the perfect place to do so. The coastal area of Puerto de la Cruz which means ‘Port of the Cross’ contains several of the city’s main attractions, such as the old harbour, the promenade and the Lago Martiánez complex of swimming pools designed by the Canary Islands architect César Manrique. Enjoying the sunshine and beaches are some of the activities to be done. However the beaches here are along the unique volcanic coastline. Tourists can also stroll through

the exotic Botanical Gardens or spend an unforgettable day at Loro Parque, the theme park leisurely. For nature lovers the beautiful scenery of the Orotava Valley and the spectacular image of the Teide, Spain’s highest peak will be a treat. Puerto de la Cruz’s tourism initiatives are known back from the late 19th century itself. The Spa on the site of the presentday Hotel Casino Taoro had attracted tourists from several parts of the country. Little wonder that Puerto de la Cruz

The Spa on the site of the present-day Hotel Casino Taoro had attracted tourists from several parts of the country

remains as a pioneer of tourism development on Tenerife. Its excellent climate, a beautiful volcanic coastline and the unparalleled landscape of the Orotava Valley also helps to attract tourists from all over the world. Puerto de la Cruz is a city explored best on foot. The city extends around a small port and comprises wide avenues and lush landscaped spaces. On foot you can explore carefully the historical buildings found along the way including the castle of San Felipe, the hermitage of San Telmo and the church of Nuestra Señora de la Peña.

The Port

The streets around Plaza del Charco bustles with activity

ASIAN TRAVELLER | december 2017

at any time of the day and tourists can find many restaurants and pavement cafes along the beautiful promenade. The port area is one the city’s oldest quarters, housing the Casa de la Aduana (customs building) and the old harbour, which still has a maritime air about it. Another attraction at the port areas is Lago Martiánez, designed by the illustrious Lanzarote architect César Manrique. This is an original complex of salt-water swimming pools which, constructed on the volcanic coastline amidst lush vegetation, is a perfect spot for relaxing or taking a refreshing dip.

possibilities. The Botanical Gardens on the outskirts of the city is another option tourists can try on. Founded at the end of the 18th century, these contain a rich variety of tropical plants and plant species brought from all over the world. Meanwhile, an unforgettable day can be spent at Loro Parque theme park watching the parrot and dolphin shows. In addition to admiring the beauty of the Orotova Valley, nature lovers

can also explore the Teide, which at 3,718 m is the highest mountain in Spain. It is from this volcanic peak that the Teide National Park, which boasts abundant species of wildlife and flora endemic to the Canary Islands, takes its name. This itinerary can be completed by a visit to the Corona Forestal Nature Reserve, which surrounds the national park. Make this Christmas and New Year season at a place with experiences that you will never forget!

Tourists will never find any difficulty in finding hotels as the majority of the hotels in Puerto de la Cruz are situated along the coast overlooking beautiful beaches of volcanic origin, such as Playa Jardín and Playa Martiánez. The only problem will be choosing the right one as every hotel provides unparallel views of the vicinity. These areas offer a wide range of amenities, including nightclubs, restaurants, shops, sports facilities and many other

December | ASIAN TRAVELLER

TAFI Odisha Tourism

An expression of the beautiful

Odissi dance form

Odissi is the oldest surviving dance form in India, according to archaeological evidence. It dates back to 2,000 years as stated by literature from 200 BC from 14th - 16th January 2018 (6.00 pm to 8.30 pm). This festival celebrates the unrivalled charisma of Odissi, the classical dance form of Odisha. Star Odissi dancers tapping their feet to the strokes of the accompanying instruments like mardal mesmerise the audience with their classic attire and graceful movements. Solo, duet and group performances by these dancers, their abhinaya, bhangi and mudra give the onlookers a transcendental experience.

disha has been regarded as a land of myriad marvels. The dynamic topographical and vegetation strength of Odisha have combined to extract some of the most stunning destinations which not only offers a visual feast for the inquisitive visitors but also highly educative and culturally pleasing insight into one of the oldest civilisations of the world. Home to many forms of folk and tribal dances such as Bharatnatyam and Chhau, Odisha tops in the list of music and dance performances held among the country. The small and elegant Mukteswar Temple with its famous stone arch at the entrance is the gem of Orissan Architecture. The temple is also important as a transition point between the early and later phases of Kalinga School of Architecture for which this dance festival is named after the said temple. The embellishments

The small and elegant Mukteswar Temple with its famous stone arch at the entrance is the gem of Orissan Architecture of Mukteswar and Parsurameswar temple reflect the best of Orissan Architectural Style and provide an ideal platform for the Odissi Classical Dance. The Mukteswar Temple in Bhubaneswar, famous for its elegantly carved arched gateway is considered as one of the finest examples of Odishan architecture. The complex of this legendary temple serves as the venue of the Mukteswar Dance Festival. The 2018 edition of Mukteswar Dance Festival will be held

In the Solo Odissi category artists Namrata Mehta, (Mumbai), Salini Pattnaik, (Bhubaneswar), and Gayatri Chand, (Bhubaneswar) will perform on different days. Bijan Palai & Rudrapratap Swain, (Bhubaneswar), Sipra Swain & Aishwariya Singhdev, (Bhubaneswar) and Sarita Mishra & Manisha Manaswaini, (Bengaluru) will perform in the Duet Odissi category. The Group Odissi category will have the performance of Devadasi, Bhubaneswar (Rojalin Mohapatra & Group), Debamitra Sengupta & Group, (Kolkata) and Rudrakshya (Bichitrananda Swain & Group), (Bhubaneswar). The state of Odisha, located in the eastern Indian state along the Bay

The state of Odisha, located in the eastern Indian state along the Bay of Bengal is known for the dance festivals it organises of Bengal is known for the dance festivals it organises. The dance festivals it host reflects its rich culture and tradition. During the cooler winter months, Odisha comes alive with festivals devoted to traditional music and dance. The state is also the venue for music and dance performances like Konark Festival, Rajarani Music Festival and Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav. The Konark Festival features a range of Indian classical dance performances including Odissi, Bharatnatyam, and Kathak. The exhibition of Odia temple sculptures, sand art exhibition, and crafts fair are also part of this festival. This iconic festival has been taking place since 1989 at Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grandest sun temple in Konark, near Puri. Rajarani Music Festival is a celebration of classical music traditions of India. Performances by well-known Odissi and Hindustani vocal and music maestros make it a must-visit for classical music enthusiasts. Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav on the other hand has performances of martial dance with classical and folk dances of the state. ASIAN TRAVELLER | December 2017

TAMIL NADU TRAVELLER

The lure of history Pudukkotai is undoubtedly a treasure trove of Tamil civilisation as it houses several historical, arts, architectural and cultural exhibits Dr S Bakthavatchalam

udukkotai from the past itself was an important place which paved the way to the rule of several kingdoms like the Pandyas, Cholas, Pallavas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagar, Nayaks, Irukkuvelirs, Mutharaiyars and Thondaiman. The ancient Sangam Literature has got mention of Pudukkotai as a notable place of highly cultured elites. Adding more to the importance of Pudukkotai, several pre-historic megalithic burial urns, dolmens stone were found by the archaeological team. Numerous archaeological findings were made in Pudukkotai at places like Kodumbalur, Narthamalai, Kudimiyanmalai, Kunnandar koil, Sittanna vasal, Thirumayam, Peraiyur, and Avudayar koil. All this shows the importance of Pudukkotai in shaping Tamil civilisation. Historians believe that Pudukkotai had the tag of princely state from the 17th century or even before that period. As a centre of culture, civilisation, art, architecture, fine arts and politics, Pudukkotai flourished during the same period. Even during the British rule, Pudukkotai remained as a princely state.

Today, Pudukkotai is a place much loved by the historians, anthropologists, archaeologists and lovers of art. It is also much loved by tourists. The 40-acre wide Thirumayam Fort is one of the important attractions at Pudukkottai. Constructed by Vijaya Raghunatha Sethupathi, the Raja of Ramnad in 1687, it was extensively renovated by Archaelolgical Survey of India. Temples in the fort are dedicated to Sri Sathyamurthy-Sri Uyyavanda Nachiar (Vaishnavite) and Sri Sathyagireeswarar-Sri Venuvaneeswari (Saivite). They feature wonderful rock-cut architecture. Thirumayam fort continues to attract a large number of heritage-loving tourists. Sittanavasal Cave, a 2nd century Jain complex of caves is another attraction here. One will really appreciate

the beauty of Sittanavasal which is a quiet green belt with a natural cavern and a rock-cut cave temple of great antiquity on two sides of the same hill. Also known as Arivarkovil or Temple of the Arhats, it is a rock-cut monastery of Jains

heavens, and particularly the second bhumi (level) viz. khatika-bhumi or the region of tank is worth mentioning. Inscriptions dating back to the 9th and 10th century are also seen here. The mural painting on the ceiling of the Ardhamandapam is believed

containing archaeological important remnants of notable mural paintings which used paint made from vegetables and mineral dyes. Researchers have mentioned that the paintings have been painted in fresco-secco technique with many mineral colours. The painting depict beautiful lotus pond with lotus flowers, people collecting lotuses from the pond, two dancing figures, lilies, fish, geese, buffaloes and elephants. The mural paintings depicting the theme of Samavasarana, the most delightful of Jaina

to be of 7th century. Another delight is the sculptures of the Jain Theerthankaras in Aseenamudra. This natural cavern located on the summit of a low hill called Eladipattam is quite spacious and has a low roof which has got seventeen stone beds, rectangular evened spaces with a sort of stone pillow. The largest of them contains a TamilBrahmi inscription that goes back to the 2nd Century BC. The view from the top is beautiful. There is greenery everywhere interspersed with large tracts of water.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | December 2017

NEWSLINE

Best Western Hotels & Resorts marks debut in Central Delhi with two properties Best Western Hotels & Resorts, a globally leading hotel company, has recently opened two new hotels in New Delhi. Both the properties are located in the neighbourhood of Paharganj which is in close proximity of the New Delhi Railway Station, Connaught Place, Parliament House, India Gate, Pragati Maidan, and other places for business events and tourism. The Best Western Plus Central will feature 71 well-appointed rooms, a multi-purpose hall, health club, and three F&B outlets, Jacuzzi, terrace Barbeque, and the ‘Deli Café’- a multicuisine restaurant that serves delectable international cuisine. The Best Western Pearl will have 35 rooms, one multi-cuisine restaurant connected to a terrace

restaurant, fitness center, and a small conference room. A street café shall be added to the facilities soon. “As we continue our journey in taking the reimagined Best Western brand into the future, we are dedicated more than ever to offer the best in hospitality to our guests,” said Atul Jain, Chief Operating Officer, Best Western Hotels & Resorts – India, Bangladesh & Sri Lanka. The Best Western Plus Central will open in January 2018 while the Best Western Pearl will open its doors in September 2018. Both the hotels have been designed to meet the needs of business as well as leisure travellers. “It gives me immense pleasure and pride to announce our partnership with one of the largest hotel

companies in the world having 4,200 hotels in more than 100 countries. Our association with Best Western Hotels & Resorts shall ensure that quality services and experience are provided to our customers, who are mostly foreigners”, says Piyush Nagrath, Director – Blue Mango Hotels. “That our hotel is the first to bring in an international brand shall definitely change the hospitality trend in this location. I am sure more international brands will follow in the near future”, he added. As a part of their development program

in India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, which has seen the portfolio growing from 14 hotels to 35 hotels in the last 18 months, Best Western has signed multiphase agreements with Blue Mango Hotels Pvt. Ltd. for opening the two new hotels in Delhi. Both the hotels shall be managed by Sorrel Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., the Master Licensee of Best Western Hotels & Resorts in the three countries.

Gulf Air Launches Bahrain Tourist Visa Service working days to process and is done in coordination with the relevant ministries and government entities. Gulf Air, the Kingdom of Bahrain’s national carrier in partnership with VFS Global, the world’s largest visa service provider, launched a Bahrain Tourist Visa Service available via visa.gulfair.com exclusively for the airline’s passengers flying across its global network to Bahrain. Travellers with return Gulf Air tickets can now conveniently apply for a visa to the Kingdom of Bahrain online via visa.gulfair.com or by visiting their local Gulf Air sales office with the necessary documents no more than 30 days prior to travel to fill in the relevant forms and submit their application. The visa service takes a minimum of four December | ASIAN TRAVELLER

Gulf Air Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Captain Waleed Abdul Hameed Al Alawi, said, “Promoting the Kingdom of Bahrain as a many faceted tourist destination is key to Gulf Air’s longstanding mission. We are delighted to, in partnership with VFS Global, launch the Bahrain Tourist Visa Service - making the process of obtaining a visa to enter Bahrain easier and more convenient. We anticipate positive feedback from our customers, for whom this service is tailored, and we look forward to welcoming more people from around the world to Bahrain to experience all that the Kingdom has to offer.”

“We are delighted to partner with Gulf Air and the Government of Bahrain to develop a convenient, nextgeneration visa service for Gulf Air passengers visiting Bahrain. The dedicated online platform not only makes applying for a visa to Bahrain quicker and more convenient than ever before, but also provides passengers with 24x7 accessibility and online tracking of their visas, amongst other advantages”, added Vinay Malhotra, COO – Middle East & South Asia, VFS Global. Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, commenced operations in 1950, becoming one of the first commercial airlines established in the Middle East. Today, Gulf Air is a major international carrier serving 42 cities in 25 countries spanning three continents. The airline operates double

daily flights or more to 10 regional cities, in addition to select destinations in the Indian Subcontinent and Europe, from its hub at Bahrain International Airport. Gulf Air currently serves all its destinations with a combination wide and narrow body fleet totalling 28 modern aircraft with orders for 39 new Boeing and Airbus aircraft due for delivery commencing in early 2018. The modern fleet will herald a new era for Gulf Air as it continues to enhance its product and service offering. Renowned for its traditional Arabian hospitality, evidenced by the airline’s signature family and business friendly products, Gulf Air is committed to being an industry leader and developing products and services that reflect the evolving needs and aspirations of its passengers. 27

GULF NEWS

Middle East airline passenger numbers projected to climb 7% in 2018 Middle East passenger numbers are forecast to grow by 7% in 2018 according to the International Air Transport Association, despite a strong headwind of global economic turbulence and fluctuating oil prices, the unpredictability of American President Donald Trump and continued Brexit negotiations was heavily influenced by one-off impairments that included AED3.67 billion ($1 billion) on aircraft and AED2.96 billion ($808 million) on exposures to the ailing carriers Alitalia and Air Berlin.

Aviation will feature heavily in the programme at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2018, which is being held between 2225 April at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The sessions at ATM 2018 will be moderated by Alan Peaford, a former national newspaper journalist and current president of the UK’s Institute of Internal Communications. Peaford edited Flight International’s Flight Daily News for 17 years and has won an Aerospace Journalist of the Year award on five occasions. He said: “Aviation and aerospace is thriving despite lower oil prices. Even with regional uncertainties aviation continues to grow. The Arab air transport market grew by 9.9% in the past year, according to the Arab Air Carriers Organisation (AACO) at its 2017 AGM. Growth figures like these should support lively debate at ATM 2018 and provide an element of cautious optimism.” IATA figures also revealed that Middle East airlines will see net profits doubling to $600 million in 2018, double what they are estimated to make this year. Passenger capacity is also estimated to 28

Middle East airlines forecasted net profits to hit $600 million in 2018 rise by 6.6% this year and a further 4.9% increase is forecast for 2018. The Emirates Group which is, one of Arabian Travel Market’s premium partners, had a revenue of AED49.4 billion (US$13.5 billion) for the first six months of its 2017-18 financial year, up 6% from AED46.5 billion (US$12.7 billion) during the same period last year. However, Etihad Airways bucked the trend in July when it posted a group loss of AED6.86 billion ($1.87 billion) for 2016. The figure

Simon Press, Senior Exhibition Director, Arabian Travel Market

Air Arabia saw profits rise in this year’s second quarter, up 21 percent to AED157.93 million ($43 million) from the same period last year, although revenues were flat, rising 1.3 percent to AED907.23 million ($247 million). But Flydubai reported losses of AED143.24 million ($39 million) on revenues of AED2.5 billion ($689 million) for the first half of 2017. Simon Press, Senior Exhibition Director, Arabian Travel Market, said: “As this mixed bag of results demonstrate, there are continued challenges to be faced by the aviation sector in the Middle East. This includes the US Supreme Court’s decision to back President Donald Trump’s third travel ban, blocking the entry of travellers from Chad, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen. “President Trump’s protectionist agenda may also impact the Open Skies Agreement which US airlines have campaigned bitterly against for several years.” The success of the aviation industry in the sky is matched in the Middle East by the continued huge infrastructure investment. The total value of 152 active aviation-related projects in the Middle East reached $57.7 billion (Dh211.8 billion) at the end of April 2017, according to research provider BNC Network. In the GCC countries,

Saudi Arabia accounted for the largest share of project value (at 46 per cent of the GCC’s total), followed by the UAE (26 per cent), and Kuwait (12 per cent).The Gulf region’s aviation projects also accounted for 72 per cent of the total estimated value for all aviation projects in the Middle East and North Africa. “Aviation is integral to the Arabian Travel Market show and plays a significant role not only during the seminars but also on the exhibition floor. With strong investment prevalent throughout the industry in the region, the growth in passenger numbers will continue unabated,” added Press.Confirmed exhibiting airlines for ATM 2018 include Etihad Airways, Fly Dubai and Saudi Airlines with more major players to follow. ATM 2018 has adopted Responsible Tourism as its main theme and this will be integrated across all show verticals and activities, including focused seminar session, featuring dedicated exhibitor participation. ATM – considered by industry professionals as a barometer for the Middle East and North Africa tourism sector, welcomed almost 40,000 travel professionals to its 2017 event, including 2,661 exhibiting companies, signing business deals worth more than $2.5 billion over the four-day show. Celebrating its 25th year, ATM 2018 will build on the success of this year’s edition, with a host of seminar sessions looking back over the last 25 years and how the hospitality industry in the MENA region is expected to shape up over the next 25. ASIAN TRAVELLER | december 2017

NEWSLINE

NDC takes off in India Verteil Technologies taps into British Airways’s NDC channel to give real time access to travel agents and OTA’s in India Verteil Technologies is thrilled to announce the first-ever direct connect booking using IATA’s NDC standard on British Airways in India using our direct connect platform, Verteil Direct Connect (VDC). On 08 Dec 2017, the partner agency of Verteil Technologies, Magellan Travels, an IATA accredited travel agent based out of Chennai issued a Chennai – London ticket on British Airways directly connecting to the airline using the Verteil Direct Connect (VDC) technology platform and thereby becoming the first travel agency in India to take advantage of the offers coming directly from British Airways. It is claimed to be the first live IATA NDC transaction from India. “Verteil Technologies is delighted to pioneer the direct connect distribution model in the Indian market, providing travel agents with unique and differentiated offers via a completely new generation technology platform. With the successful go-live in British Airway’s NDC channel, Verteil is all set to be standard for driving adoption of direct connect NDC based solution to the Indian market as we expand to on-board all the member agents of IATA Agents Association of India (IAAI) and beyond” said Jerrin Jos, Founder & CEO, Verteil Technologies. IAAI, one of the major IATA Travel Agency consortiums having around 1400 agency members pan India, has recently signed a contract with Verteil Technologies to leverage its direct connect platform for their member agencies to connect directly with airlines. Verteil is currently in the process of onboarding these agents to migrate a significant volume of indirect airline sales in December | ASIAN TRAVELLER

India to its direct connect platform. “We are delighted to have our partner agency, Magellan Travels to be the very first IATA agency in India to issue a standalone ticket using the NDC direct connect technology implemented by Verteil Technologies. IAAI is fully committed to doing business in the direct connect channel with our technology partner Verteil Technologies. Verteil’s technology platform is fully integrated with our in-house enterprise booking tool iTop which allows all our member agencies to seamlessly buy any travel related products. Congratulations to our friends at Verteil on making history” said Biji Eapen, President of IAAI (IATA Agents Association of India). Full service carriers worldwide have been a big proponent and supporter of the NDC standard. As of today, there are 45 major full service carriers who are certified on the NDC standard. Some of them include, British Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, American Airlines and many more. IATA expects about 120 airlines to be certified before 2020. Airlines like British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France etc. have already launched additional fees for any bookings made through legacy indirect distribution channels which are used by most of the travel agencies today. These fees are completely waived off for tickets booked via an NDC

direct connect channel like Verteil Direct Connect. With IAAI’s exclusive partnership with Verteil Technologies, travellers booking BA tickets with any IAAI IATA agent pan India will not incur this additional fee. “It is indeed a proud moment for all of us at Magellan Travels to be the first IATA Agency in India to issue a ticket on the NDC channel of BA enabled by Verteil Technologies direct connect platform, Verteil Direct Connect. The entire on-boarding process was quick and easy and the feedback provided was incorporated to my satisfaction. Offline Travel Agents now have a modern platform in Verteil Direct Connect that has easy to use workflows combined with visually rich content to allow the travel agent to clearly compare multiple offers from an airline which will help us serve our customers better. The best part of this new technology is that it circumvents the distribution fee imposed by different carriers around the world thus lowering the ticket prices. Congratulations to Verteil Technologies on this momentous occasion” said Faisal Sharhabeel, Director, Magellan Travels.

Verteil Technologies

Verteil Technologies is founded by airline technodomain experts with close to 20 years of experience in the airline IT industry. Verteil aims to redefine the legacy airline distribution ecosystem which has been in existence for more than 40 years now. The company

has already received IATA NDC Level 3 certification which is the highest level of certification given by IATA for innovations in the airline distribution space using NDC. Verteil Technologies is recognised by Startup India, a Govt. of India initiative for recognising innovative startups. The company is backed by KSIDC (Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation), industrial wing of Govt of Kerala, India who supports and funds start-ups with innovative products. Online and Offline Travel service providers can now revolutionise the way they do business using Verteil Technologies’ next generation cloud-based airline distribution platform, VDC. Built on IATA’s NDC (New Distribution Capability) standard, VDC platform offers the travel agents a new direct channel to access the airline’s vast range of services that will enable them to offer a lot more options to discerning travellers. Current airline distribution platforms are limited to offering seat/ fare options to travellers and travel agents due to the legacy technologies that power these distribution platforms. Verteil is completely aligned with IATA’s vision for NDC. The goal is to unlock the full value of NDC and make it available to the indirect airline sales channels in India and other Asia Pacific regions thereby enabling the partner agents to shop, book and fulfil offers to their customer’s satisfaction. With the launch of IATA’s NDC standard, they believe, airline travel distribution has reached a tipping point that will forever change how products and services will be offered by the airlines to all its travel partners. 29

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE CONTEST - 115 1. The Capital of Togo 2. Gir National Park is part of which state in India? 3. The Capital of Nauru 4. Tegucigalpa is the capital of which nation? Zeynep Ӧden Ağagil

appointed as the Director of Sales & Marketing of Raffles Dubai

Ayman Gharib

appointed as the Managing Director of Raffles Dubai and Sofitel Dubai Wafi

Jan-Hendrik Meidinger

appointed as the General Manager of Grand Hyatt Taipei

5. The Capital of Micronesia 6. Kaziranga National Park is part of which state in India? 7. The Capital of Palau 8. Majuro is the capital of which nation? 9. Bandipur National Park is part of which state in India?

Matthew Tripolone

appointed as the Vice President, Development, Middle East and Africa (MEA) at InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG)

S S Rana

appointed as the General Manager, Ramada Trivandrum by Muralya Hotels Pvt Ltd

Bastien Blanc

appointed as the Vice President OperationsMiddle East at InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG)

10. Silent Valley National Park is part of which Indian state? Send in your answers to editor@mediastepsindia.com with TYKC 115 in the subject line. Answers should reach us before the 30th of this month.

Answers to TYKC - 114

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1. Mount Elbrus (5,642 m), Russia 2. Germany 3. Salzburg, Austria 4. Bratislava 5. Germany 6. The Laerdal Tunnel, Norway

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7. Italy 8. The Gotthard Base Tunnel, Switzerland

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9. Natural thermal lake and for its spas

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10. Czech Koruna

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ASIAN TRAVELLER | december 2017